Enhanced camera transport system and method

ABSTRACT

An enhanced camera transport system and method includes a strap and coupler. The coupler is configured to engage with an attachment point on a camera otherwise reserved by engagement with a camera stand such as a tripod, monopod, or the like. Following general camera construction, the attachment point is found on the bottom of the camera. In some implementations, the coupler is slideably attached to the strap to assist with repositioning of the camera from a transport position to a picture taking position. Other implementations include an enclosure for storage of the camera while not being used.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/964,047 filed Dec. 9, 2010; of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/105,222 filed Apr. 17, 2008, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,866,899 onJan. 11, 2011; and of U.S.

Provisional Application No. 60/912,382 filed Apr. 17, 2007, the contentsof which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to camera equipment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional camera storage and carrying systems help to store andtransport cameras when not in use. Unfortunately, they include aspectsthat can hinder retrieval of a camera being stored or transported sothat photographic opportunities can be missed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a view of an implementation of a camera transport system,shown with the camera in a resting position, and the strap being worndiagonally across the torso of a user.

FIG. 2 is a view of the same system depicted in FIG. 1, shown in analternate resting position.

FIG. 3 is a view of the same system depicted in FIG. 1, shown in afurther alternate resting position.

FIG. 4 is a view of the system depicted in FIG. 1, shown with the camerain a shooting position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of animplementation of the coupler.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 5secured to a camera, and further showing a strap routed through acoupler.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 6,showing the system in whole.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the implementation depicted in FIG.5.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the implementation depicted in FIG.6.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of an alternateimplementation of a coupler included in the system.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 10secured to a camera, and further showing a strap routed through thecoupler.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 11,showing the system in whole.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the implementation depicted in FIG.10.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the implementation depicted in FIG.10, and further showing engagement of the release mechanism of theconnector.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of the implementation depicted in FIG.11.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of an alternateimplementation of the coupler.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 16secured to a camera, and further showing a strap routed through thecoupler.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 16,showing the system in whole.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of the implementation depicted in FIG.16.

FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of the implementation depicted in FIG.17.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of an alternateimplementation of the coupler.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 21secured to a lens, and further showing a strap routed through thecoupler.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 22,showing the system in whole.

FIG. 24 is an elevational view of an alternate implementation of thecoupler secured to a camera via the camera's conventional strap mountloops.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternate implementation of thesystem in whole.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of an alternate implementation of thesystem in whole, and further showing the use of a tether.

FIG. 27 is a view of an implementation of the camera transport system,shown with the camera in a resting position, and the strap being wornvertically from the shoulder of a user.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 27,shown in whole.

FIG. 29 is perspective view of an alternate implementation of the systemdepicted in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an implementation of the system, havingan enclosure, and further showing the camera in a resting position.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 30,showing the camera in a stowed location with an enclosure cover in theopen position.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the implementation depicted in FIG. 31,showing the enclosure cover in a closed position.

FIG. 33 is an elevational view of the implementation depicted in FIG.32, further showing a multitude of storage compartments in hidden lines.

FIG. 34 shows the implementation depicted in FIG. 29, but otherwisehaving the coupler coupled with the lens based conventional threadablestand socket.

FIG. 35 shows an implementation of the coupler coupled to a camera, andfurther showing a conventional tripod mounting plate located between thecoupler and camera.

FIG. 36 shows an implementation of the coupler coupled to a camera, andfurther showing a conventional tripod mounting plate located between thecoupler and lens.

FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of an exploded assembly of aconventional stand socket and a coupler, showing an alternate lockingelement located between the coupler and the stand socket.

FIG. 38 show the implementation depicted in FIG. 37 in the assembledstate, and the locking element promoting a secure engagement between thestand socket and coupler.

FIG. 39 shows a portion of a tripod coupled with a camera at the standengagement portion of the bottom of the camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As discussed herein, an enhanced camera transport system and methodincludes a strap 201 and coupler 300. The strap is worn by a user 10,typically over the user's shoulder. The coupler is configured to engagewith an attachment point on a camera 102 otherwise reserved byengagement with a camera stand such as a tripod, monopod, or the like.Following general camera construction, the attachment point is found onthe bottom of the camera. In some implementations, the coupler isslideably attached to the strap to assist with repositioning of thecamera from a transport position to a picture taking position by slidingthe camera along the strap. Other implementations include an enclosure400 for storage of the camera while it is not being used.

The strap 201 can be used for retention, support, and/or suspension ofthe coupler 300, camera 102, and enclosure 400. In some implementationsholders, receptacles, pouches, or other containers can be integratedwithin the strap to storing items, such as a phone, flashlight, memory,film, batteries, keys, business cards, or other items. The strap can beworn, by the user, diagonally across the torso like a bandolier, or wornvertically from a shoulder. The strap can further include a variety ofadjusters for adjusting its length, tension and fit. Further includedcan be a variety of release mechanisms and fasteners. Still furtherincluded in the strap can be a variety of pads or materials to promotecomfort for the user, and to further maintain the strap in a properlocation for use.

In implementations the coupler 300 can be used to couple the strap 201to a camera, video camera, or image capture device, and thus furthersecure the device to a user. The coupler can include a first portion 301a that has a threadable element that engages with a conventionalthreadable stand socket (such for a tripod or a monopod) of a camera orlens. Further included can be a lock nut or resilient material residingbetween the coupler and the camera, or lens, to help promote a secureengagement of the coupler to the camera or lens.

The coupler can include a second portion 301 b, like a threaded coupler,that slideably engages with the strap 201 that allows the camera 102 tobe moved along the length of the strap, from a storage or transportlocation, to a resting position, and further to a shooting position andback again into the resting position or storage location. Furtherincluded in the first portion of the coupler can be additionalcomponents to allow for quick engagement and disengagement of thecoupler with the strap. The coupler can include a tether to locate thecamera a distance away from the strap, and thus a distance from theuser. The coupler can be configured to components with a multitude ofvarious rotational axes to promote proper placement of the camera on theuser, as well as prevention of binding or tangling of the system.

Compartments can be included in the enclosure 400 for stowing cameracomponents, such as a camera, lens, flash, or other auxiliary cameracomponents in a protected location when not in use, while leaving thecomponents readily accessible for use. The compartments of the enclosurecan include closures to envelope the camera gear in a safe environment.To promote a safe environment for the camera components, the storagecompartments can be made, in part or in whole, of resilient materials,padded materials, and/or water or chemical resistant materials. Furtherincluded in the enclosure can be one or more support straps, such asused on a backpack, handbag, or bandolier style bag. The support strapscan also include a variety of adjusters and/or release mechanisms.Further included on the support straps can exist receptacles for holdingand permitting access to various items, such as a phone, flashlight,memory, film, batteries, keys, business cards, or other items.

As shown in FIG. 1, a system 100 can include of a strap 201 with a firstend portion 201 a and a second end portion 201 b. In someimplementations, the strap 201 has a flat sectional profile as shown andin other implementations the strap can have other sectional profilessuch as including oblong and round. The strap 201 is formed into a loopand sized to fit over the torso 12 of a user 10, and worn diagonally,like a bandolier. A camera 102, with an engagement portion configured toreceive an engagement portion of a tripod, also know as a stand socketin some implementations is slideably, rotatably, pivotally, andreleasably coupled to the strap 201 via a coupler 300. The camera 102can then rest near the first end portion 201 a of the strap 201 invarious positions as desired by the user, when not in use. Such restingpositions for the camera 102 can include hanging topside-down with thelens 112 pointing away from the side of the user (as shown in FIG. 1),towards the rear of the user (as shown in FIG. 2), or towards the frontof the user (as shown in FIG. 3).

The system 100 is depicted in FIG. 4 with the camera 102 topside-up in ashooting position near the second end portion 201 b of the strap 201,and being held by the user 10 for facilitating use of the camera to takea picture. A first implementation 301 of the coupler 300 is shown inFIG. 5 and FIG. 8 to be received for engagement by the camera 102. Thefirst implantation 301 has a first portion 301 a, a second portion 301 bwith an aperture 301 c. The bottom 104 of the camera 102 having anengagement portion 116, also known as a tripod socket or a stand socket,configured to receive an engagement portion of a tripod, threadablyaccepts the first portion 301 a of the first implementation 301 of thecoupler 300. A lock nut 310 is shown to threadably engage with the firstportion 301 a of the coupler to promote a secure coupling of the firstimplementation 301 with the stand socket 116 of the camera. The couplerhas a second portion 301 b shaped to have an aperture 301 c to receive astrap 201, not shown, therethrough, and be slideably engagable with thestrap.

Shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 is the assembled first implementation 301depicted in FIG. 5, coupled to the camera 102, with the lock nut 310tightened down, and further showing a strap 201 being received by theaperture 301 c of the second portion 301 b of the first implementation301 therethrough.

FIG. 7 shows the system 100 with the first implementation 301 depictedin FIGS. 5 and 6, having the aperture 301 c slideably engaged with astrap 201, and further coupled to a camera 102 via the stand socket 116of the camera.

A second implementation 302 with a first portion 302 a and a secondportion 302 b of the coupler 300 is shown in FIG. 10. The bottom 104 ofthe camera 102 having the stand socket 116, threadably accepts the firstportion 302 a of the second implementation 302 of the coupler 300. Alock nut 310 is shown to threadably engage with the first portion 302 ato promote a secure coupling of the second implementation 302 with thestand socket 116 of the camera. The second portion 302 b includes a balllock pin 312 and an aperture 302 c. The aperture 302 c is shaped toreceive the strap 201 therethrough (shown in FIG. 11) and be slideablyand pivotally engagable with the strap. The first portion 302 a has aball lock socket 314 sized to accept the ball lock pin 312 for arotatable and releasable engagement between the first portion 302 a andthe second portion 302 b.

The second implementation 302 of the coupler 300 is shown in FIG. 11coupled to the camera 102, with the lock nut 310 tightened down, andfurther showing the strap 201 being received by the aperture 302 c ofthe second portion 302 b of the second implementation 302. To helpprevent binding or tangling of the system 100, the second implementation302 of the coupler 300 allows for rotation between the strap 201 and thecamera 102 about the axis 316, while the aperture 302 c allows forrotation between the strap and the camera about the axis 318.

FIG. 12 shows the system 100 with the second implementation 302 depictedin FIGS. 10 and 11, having the ball lock pin 312 engaged with the balllock socket 314, and having the aperture 302 c slideably engaged withthe strap 201, and further coupled to a camera 102 via the stand socket116 of the camera.

A cross sectional view of FIG. 10 is shown in FIG. 13, and a crosssectional view of FIG. 11 is shown in FIG. 14.

A further alternate implementation of the coupler 300 is represented inFIG. 16 and FIG. 20. Within this implementation the coupler includes ofa threadable element 302 a for coupling with a conventional threadablestand socket of a camera 102 or lens, and a lock nut 310 for securingthe coupler to the stand socket. Included in the coupler 300 is a secondportion 302 b in the form of a loop for accepting a connector 201 chaving an integrated coupler 201 d for engaging the strap. In thisexample the connector is of the hook type or carabineer type, and has agate style mechanism to permit connecting and disconnecting of theconnector 201 c from the second portion 302 b of the coupler 300, whichfurther facilitates removal of the camera 102 from the user 10 withoutremoving the strap 201 from the user.

Shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 20 is the coupler, coupled to a camera, withthe connector coupled to the coupler, and the coupler engaged with thestrap. In the assembled state, the connector allows the assembledcoupler and camera to rotate relative to the coupler and strap about afirst axis. The hook and loop allows the coupler, and camera to rotaterelative to the connector portion and strap about a second axis.

FIG. 18 represents an implementation of the system 100 depicted in FIGS.16 and 17 as a whole, having the camera coupled with the coupler, andthe coupler engaged with a strap via the coupler.

Shown in FIG. 21 is an exploded assembly of an alternate implementationof coupling the coupler to a conventional threadable stand socket. Thestand socket is mounted to or integral with the lens. Allimplementations of the coupler can be coupled to the lens in the samemanner as they are coupled to the camera's stand socket.

FIG. 22 is the assembled implementation depicted in FIG. 21, coupled toa lens, with the connector coupled to the coupler, and the couplerengaged with the strap. In the assembled state, the connector allows theassembled coupler and camera to rotate relative to the coupler and strapabout a first axis. The coupler allows the assembled connector, coupler,and camera to rotate relative to the strap about a second axis.

FIG. 23 represents an implementation of the system 100 depicted in FIGS.21 and 22 as a whole, having the camera coupled with the coupler, andthe coupler engaged with a strap via the coupler.

FIG. 24 shows a further alternate implementation of coupling the couplerto a camera. The coupler is coupled to the camera's conventional strapmount loops located opposing each other on the first side and secondside of the camera. A number of ties attach the connector to thecamera's strap mount loops. A connector is shown in the engaged state,connecting the ties to a strap. In this example the connector is of theside release type, but can be any type of connector, in example: a balllock pin, carabineer, hook and loop, etc.

FIG. 25 shows an implementation of the system 100 as having a coupler300 engaged with the strap 201. The strap can have a padded portion topermit comfort for the user, and can further utilize a frictionalmaterial to maintain the strap in a proper location for use of thecamera. Located on the strap can exist a variety of receptacles forholding and permitting access to various items, such as a phone,flashlight, memory, film, batteries, keys, business cards, or otheritems. Further included in the strap can be one or more adjusters foradjusting its length, tension and fit. Still further included can be avariety of release mechanisms, in this example a side release is shown.

FIG. 26 shows an alternate implementation of the system 100 as having atether located between the strap and the coupler, for the purpose oflocating the camera a distance from the strap. This can facilitateproper use of the camera by the user. The tether can further include acoupler for engaging the strap.

As shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, the system 100 can be worn by the uservertically from the shoulder, and the camera can rest in a desiredposition allowed by the first axis of rotation and second axis ofrotation included within the coupler.

FIG. 29 shows an alternate implementation of the system 100 depicted inFIG. 28, with the strap having a padded portion to permit comfort forthe user, and can further utilize a frictional material to maintain thestrap in a proper location for use. Located on the strap can exist avariety of receptacles for holding and permitting access to variousitems, such as a phone, flashlight, memory, film, batteries, keys,business cards, or other items. Further included in the strap can be oneor more adjusters for adjusting its length, tension and fit. Stillfurther included can be a variety of release mechanisms, in this examplea side release is shown. Still further included can be a slide to adjustthe fit of the strap, and to further alter the characteristics of thestrap from a glide strap to a fixed strap.

FIGS. 30-33 shows an implementation of the system 100, as including anenclosure 400 having a first interior 402, a second interior 404, and athird interior 406 all being covered by closures or covers 410. Theenclosure 400 can be used for stowing camera components, such as acamera, lens, flash, or other auxiliary camera components in a protectedlocation when not in use, while leaving the components readilyaccessible for use. As shown, the first end portion 201 a of the strap201 is positioned in the first interior 402 to allow for the camera 102to be moved into the first interior (such as by sliding along the strap201 without detaching the camera from the strap 201. A second strap 416having a first end portion 416 a and a second end portion 416 b is usedto wear the enclosure 400 over a shoulder. The second end portion 201 bof the strap 201 is shown in be fastened near the second end portion 416b of the second strap 416 so that the strap 201 can follow the contourof the second strap while the enclosure 400 is being worn.

The closures can include the use of snaps, zippers, draw-cord, hook andloop (Velcro), or other such fasteners deemed necessary to secure theclosures in a closed position. To promote a safe environment for thecamera components, the storage compartments can be made, in part or inwhole, of resilient materials, padded materials, and/or water orchemical resistant materials. Further included in the enclosure can beone or more support straps, such as used on a backpack, handbag, orbandolier style bag. In this example the support strap is of thebandolier type. The support straps can also include a variety ofadjusters and/or release mechanisms (not shown). Further included on thesupport straps can exist receptacles (not shown) for holding andpermitting access to various items, such as a phone, flashlight, memory,film, batteries, keys, business cards, or other items. Further includedin the enclosure can be auxiliary storage for the stowing of variousitems.

FIG. 31 shows the implementation of the system 100 depicted in FIG. 30,but with the camera in a stowed location within a compartment.

FIG. 32 shows the same implementation of the system 100 depicted in FIG.31, but with the closure in a closed position.

FIG. 33 is a rear view of the system 100 depicted in FIG. 32. Furthershown is a number of compartments (shown in hidden lines) stowingvarious camera components. Auxiliary storage is also shown.

FIG. 34 shows the implementation depicted in FIG. 29, but otherwisehaving the coupler coupled with the lens based conventional threadablestand socket.

FIG. 35 shows an implementation of the coupler coupled to a camera, andfurther showing a conventional tripod mounting plate located between thecoupler and camera. This allows the coupler to remain intact with thecamera, while still permitting use of the tripod mounting plate formounting to a tripod.

FIG. 36 shows an implementation of the coupler coupled to a camera, andfurther showing a conventional tripod mounting plate located between thecoupler and lens. This allows the coupler to remain intact with thelens, while still permitting use of the tripod mounting plate formounting to a tripod.

FIG. 37 is a cross sectional view of an exploded assembly of aconventional stand socket and a coupler, showing an alternate lockingelement located between the coupler and the stand socket. The lockingelement can be made of a frictional and/or resilient material, which canfurther have a compressible or noncompressible nature.

FIG. 38 show the implementation depicted in FIG. 37 in the assembledstate, and the locking element promoting a secure engagement between thestand socket and coupler.

FIG. 39 shows a portion of a tripod coupled with a camera at the standengagement portion of the bottom of the camera.

ASPECTS

1. For a camera having at least one engagement portion each configuredto receive an engagement portion of a stand, a system for coupling withthe engagement portion of the camera, the system comprising:

a first strap; and

a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portionof the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the engagement portion ofcamera, the second portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engagewith the first strap.

2. The system of aspect 1, further including:

an enclosure having an interior area with an aperture and an exterior;and

a shoulder strap with a first end portion and a second end portionattached to the exterior of the enclosure, the first end portion of theshoulder strap attached closer to the aperture and the second end of theshoulder strap attached farther from the aperture, the first straphaving a first end portion attached to the enclosure inside the interiorarea.

3. The system of aspect 1, wherein the second portion of the coupler inconfigured to slideably engage with the first strap.

4. The system of aspect 3, wherein the first strap has a second endportion attached to the shoulder strap adjacent to the second end of theshoulder strap.

5. The system of aspect 4, wherein the enclosure further includes acovering to cover the aperture.

6. The system of aspect 1, wherein the second portion of the coupler isrotatably couplable to the first portion of the coupler.

7. The system of aspect 1, wherein the first strap is sized to fit overa human torso.

8. The system of aspect 1, wherein the first strap is formed into aloop.

9. The system of aspect 1 further includes a second strap and a strapcoupler, the first strap being engaged with the second strap via thefirst strap coupler.

10. The system of aspect 1, wherein the second portion of the couplerincludes a loop to receive the first strap inserted therethrough.

11. The system of aspect 10, wherein the first portion of the couplerincludes a loop and the second portion of the coupler includes a hook,the hook of the second portion shaped to engage the loop of the firstportion.

12. The system of aspect 11, wherein the loop and the hook of the secondportion of the coupler are rotatably engaged.

13. The system of aspect 12, wherein the hook of the second portion ofthe coupler includes a safety clasp.

14. The system of aspect 11, wherein the first strap has a flat shapeand the loop has an elongated shape.

15. The system of aspect 11, wherein the second portion of the couplerincludes a base rotatably couplable to the first portion of the couplerand the loop is pivotally coupled to the base.

16. The system of aspect 11, wherein the second portion of the couplerincludes a ball lock pin and the first portion of the coupler includes aball lock socket, the ball lock pin being releasably couplable with theball lock socket.

17. The system of aspect 11, wherein the second portion of the coupleris releasably couplable with the first portion of the coupler.

18. The system of aspect 1, wherein the engagement portion of the camerais a stand socket, the first portion of the coupler sized and shaped toengage with the stand socket of the camera.

19. The system of aspect 18, wherein the stand socket is threaded andthe first portion of the coupler is threaded to threadably engage withthe stand socket.

20. For a camera having a body with a bottom having an engagementportion, a system comprising:

a first strap; and

a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portionof the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the engagement portion ofcamera, the second portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engagewith the first strap.

21. The system of aspect 20, wherein second portion of the coupler isconfigured to slideably engage with the first strap.

22. A system comprising:

a camera having an engagement portion configured to receive anengagement portion of a stand:

a first strap; and

a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portionof the coupler configured to engage with the engagement portion ofcamera, the second portion of the coupler configured to engage with thefirst strap.

23. The system of aspect 22, further including:

an enclosure having an interior area with an aperture and an exterior;and

a shoulder strap with a first end portion and a second end portionattached to the exterior of the enclosure, the first end portion of theshoulder strap attached closer to the aperture and the second end of theshoulder strap attached farther from the aperture, the first straphaving a first end portion attached to the enclosure inside the interiorarea.

24. The system of aspect 22, wherein the second portion of the coupleris configured to slideably engage with the first strap.

25. The system of aspect 24, wherein the first strap has a second endportion attached to the shoulder strap adjacent to the second end of theshoulder strap.

26. The system of aspect 24, wherein the enclosure further includes acovering to cover the aperture.

27. The system of aspect 22, wherein the second portion of the coupleris rotatably couplable to the first portion of the coupler.

28. The system of aspect 22, wherein the first strap is sized to fitover a human torso.

29. The system of aspect 22, wherein the first strap is formed into aloop.

30. The system of aspect 22, further includes a second strap and a strapcoupler, the first strap being engaged with the second strap via thefirst strap coupler.

31. The system of aspect 22, wherein the second portion of the couplerincludes a loop to receive the first strap inserted therethrough.

32. The system of aspect 30, wherein the first portion of the couplerincludes a loop and the second portion of the coupler includes a hook,the hook of the second portion shaped to engage the loop of the firstportion.

33. The system of aspect 31, wherein the loop and the hook of the secondportion of the coupler are rotatably engaged.

34. The system of aspect 31, wherein the hook of the second portion ofthe coupler includes a safety clasp.

35. The system of aspect 30, wherein the first strap has a flat shapeand the loop has an elongated shape.

36. The system of aspect 30, wherein the second portion of the couplerincludes a base rotatably couplable to the first portion of the couplerand the loop is pivotally coupled to the base.

37. The system of aspect 30, wherein the second portion of the couplerincludes a ball lock pin and the first portion of the coupler includes aball lock socket, the ball lock pin being releasably couplable with theball lock socket.

38. The system of aspect 30, wherein the second portion of the coupleris releasably couplable with the first portion of the coupler.

39. The system of aspect 22, wherein the engagement portion of thecamera is a stand socket, the first portion of the coupler sized andshaped to engage with the stand socket of the camera.

40. The system of aspect 30, wherein the stand socket is threaded andthe first portion of the coupler is threaded to threadably engage withthe stand socket.

41. A system comprising:

a camera having a body with a bottom having an engagement portion;

a first strap; and

a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portionof the coupler configured to engage with the engagement portion ofcamera, the second portion of the coupler configured to engage with thefirst strap.

42. The system of aspect 41, wherein the second portion of the coupleris configured to slideably engage with the first strap.

43. A system comprising:

a camera having an attachment point to engage with a stand; and

a strap coupled with the camera at the attachment point.

44. The system of aspect 43, wherein the camera is slideably attached tothe strap.

45. A method comprising:

providing a camera with an attachment point for a stand;

attaching a coupler to the attachment point; and

attaching a strap to the coupler.

46. The method of aspect 45, wherein attaching a strap includesslideably attaching the strap to the coupler.

47. A method comprising:

providing a camera having a bottom and a top, the camera having anattachment point at the bottom of the camera;

hanging the camera top-side down from a shoulder of a human body by astrap coupled to the attachment point;

grabbing the camera with at least one hand of the human body; and

positioning the camera right-side up.

48. The method of aspect 47, wherein positioning the camera includessliding the camera along the strap.

49. A method comprising:

reaching behind a human torso to grab a camera;

pulling the camera out of an enclosure located behind a human torso; and

sliding the camera along a strap attached to the enclosure to aim thecamera.

50. For a camera having one engagement portion configured to receive anengagement portion of a stand, a system comprising:

a first strap;

a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, the first portionof the coupler sized and shaped to engage with the engagement portion ofcamera, the second portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engagewith the first strap;

an enclosure having an interior area with an aperture and an exterior;and

a shoulder strap with a first end portion and a second end portionattached to the exterior of the enclosure, the first end portion of theshoulder strap attached closer to the aperture and the second end of theshoulder strap attached farther from the aperture, the first straphaving a first end portion attached to the enclosure inside the interiorarea.

51. The system of aspect 50, wherein the second portion of the coupleris configured to slideably engage with the first strap.

52. The system of aspect 51, wherein the first strap has a second endportion attached to the shoulder strap adjacent to the second end of theshoulder strap.

53. The system of aspect 50, wherein the enclosure further includes acovering to cover the aperture.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specificimplementations of the invention have been described herein for purposesof illustration, various modifications can be made without deviatingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not limited except as by the appended claims.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specificimplementations of the invention have been described herein for purposesof illustration, various modifications can be made without deviatingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not limited except as by the appended claims.

1. For a camera having at least one engagement portion and carried by auser, a system for coupling with the engagement portion of the camera,the system comprising: an elongated strap having first and secondportions, the first portion of the strap sized to be positioned over ashoulder of the user and extend downward therefrom toward a hip of theuser; and a coupler having a first portion, a second portion, a thirdportion and a fourth portion, the first portion sized and shaped toengage with the engagement portion of the camera, the second portionbeing releasably couplable with the first portion, the fourth portionsized and shaped to slidably engage with the second portion of the strapand slide along a length of the second portion of the strap, and thethird portion being a flexible member engaged with and extending betweenthe second and fourth portions.
 2. A camera system comprising: a camerahaving at least one engagement portion; an elongated strap having firstand second portions, the first portion of the strap sized to bepositioned over a shoulder of the user and extend downward therefromtoward a hip of the user; and a coupler having a first portion, a secondportion, a third portion and a fourth portion, the first portion beingengaged with the engagement portion of the camera, the second portionbeing releasably couplable with the first portion, the fourth portionbeing slidably engaged with the second portion of the strap and slidablealong a length of the second portion of the strap, and the third portionbeing a flexible member engaged with and extending between the secondand fourth portions.
 3. For a camera having first and second spacedapart engagement portions and carried by a user, a system for couplingwith the engagement portions of the camera, the system comprising: anelongated strap having first and second portions, the first portion ofthe strap sized to be positioned over a shoulder of the user and extenddownward therefrom toward a hip of the user; and a coupler having afirst portion, a second portion, a third portion, a fourth portion, afifth portion and a sixth portion, the first portion sized and shaped toengage with the first engagement portion of the camera, the secondportion sized and shaped to engage with the second engagement portion ofthe camera, the third portion being a flexible member engaged with andextending between the first and fifth portions and the fourth portionbeing a flexible member engaged with and extending between the secondand fifth portions, the fifth portion being releasably couplable withthe sixth portion, and the sixth portion sized and shaped to slidablyengage with the second portion and slide along a length of the secondportion.
 4. A camera system comprising: a camera having first and secondspaced apart engagement portions; an elongated strap having first andsecond portions, the first portion of the strap sized to be positionedover a shoulder of the user and extend downward therefrom toward a hipof the user; and a coupler having a first portion, a second portion, athird portion, a fourth portion, a fifth portion and a sixth portion,the first portion being engaged with the first engagement portion of thecamera, the second portion being engaged with the second engagementportion of the camera, the third portion being a flexible member engagedwith and extending between the first and fifth portions and the fourthportion being a flexible member engaged with and extending between thesecond and fifth portions, the fifth portion being releasably couplablewith the sixth portion, and the sixth portion being slidably engagedwith the second portion and slidable along a length of the secondportion.
 5. For a camera having first and second spaced apart engagementportions and carried by a user, a system for coupling with theengagement portions of the camera, the system comprising: an elongatedstrap having first and second portions, the first portion of the strapsized to be positioned over a shoulder of the user and extend downwardtherefrom toward a hip of the user; and a coupler having a firstportion, a second portion, a third portion, a fourth portion and a fifthportion, the first portion sized and shaped to engage with the firstengagement portion of the camera, the second portion sized and shaped toengage with the second engagement portion of the camera, the thirdportion being a flexible member engaged with and extending between thefirst and fifth portions and the fourth portion being a flexible memberengaged with and extending between the second and fifth portions, andthe fifth portion sized and shaped to slidably engage with the secondportion of the strap and slide along a length of the second portion
 6. Acamera system comprising: a camera having first and second spaced apartengagement portions; an elongated strap having first and secondportions, the first portion of the strap sized to be positioned over ashoulder of the user and extend downward therefrom toward a hip of theuser; and a coupler having a first portion, a second portion, a thirdportion, a fourth portion and a fifth portion, the first portion beingengaged with the first engagement portion of the camera, the secondportion being engaged with the second engagement portion of the camera,the third portion being a flexible member engaged with and extendingbetween the first and fifth portions and the fourth portion being aflexible member engaged with and extending between the second and fifthportions, and the fifth portion being slidably engaged with the secondportion and slidable along a length of the second portion.
 7. For acamera having at least one engagement portion located on the bottom ofthe camera and carried by a user, a system for coupling with theengagement portion of the camera, the system comprising: an elongatedstrap having first and second portions, the first portion of the strapsized to be positioned over a shoulder of the user and extend downwardtherefrom toward a hip of the user; and a coupler having a first portionand a second portion, the first portion of the coupler sized and shapedto releasably engage with the engagement portion of the camera locatedon the bottom of the camera, and the second portion of the coupler sizedand shaped to slidably engage with the second strap portion and slidealong a length of the second strap portion.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the first portion of the coupler is releasably couplable withthe second portion of the coupler.
 9. The system of claim 7 for use witha camera having the engagement portion being one of a ball lock socketand a ball lock pin, wherein the first portion of the coupler is theother of the ball lock socket and the ball lock pin, the ball lock pinand ball lock socket being releasably couplable together.
 10. The systemof claim 7, wherein the first portion of the strap includes a shoulderpad.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the second portion of thecoupler is rotatably couplable to the first portion of the coupler. 12.The system of claim 7, wherein the coupler further includes a flexiblemember engaged with and extending between the first and second portionsof the coupler.
 13. The system of claim 7, wherein the second portion ofthe coupler includes a strap loop to slidably receive the second strapportion therethrough.
 14. A camera system comprising: a camera having atleast one engagement portion located on the bottom of the camera; anelongated strap having first and second portions, the first portion ofthe strap sized to be positioned over a shoulder of the user and extenddownward therefrom toward a hip of the user; and a coupler having afirst portion and a second portion, the first portion of the couplerbeing releasably couplable with the engagement portion of the cameralocated on the bottom of the camera, and the second portion of thecoupler being slidably engaged with the second strap portion andslidable along a length of the second strap portion.
 15. For a camerahaving a recessed engagement portion including a recess located on thebottom of the camera and carried by a user, a system for coupling withthe engagement portion of the camera, the system comprising: anelongated strap having first and second portions, the first portion ofthe strap sized to be positioned over a shoulder of the user and extenddownward therefrom toward a hip of the user; and a coupler having afirst portion and a second portion, the first portion of the couplersized and shaped to be releasably received at least partially within therecess of the engagement portion of the camera located on the bottom ofthe camera, and the second portion of the coupler sized and shaped toslidably engage with the second strap portion and slide along a lengthof the second strap portion.
 16. A method for use by a user withopposite first and second lateral side shoulders, arms, hips and hands,and a front side and a rear side, the method comprising: positioning anelongated strap having first and second strap portions forming togethera single continuous loop defining a single unobstructed opening with thefirst strap portion over a first lateral side shoulder of the user;positioning a front side length of the first strap portion on the frontside of the user and a rear side length of the first strap portion onthe rear side of the user; positioning the front and rear side lengthsof the first strap portion to extend diagonally downward from the firstlateral side shoulder of the user toward the second lateral side hip ofthe user with the second strap portion extending between end portions ofthe front and rear side lengths of the first strap portion positionedtoward the second lateral side hip of the user; positioning the secondlateral side arm of the user to extend through the single unobstructedopening formed by the first and second strap portions with the secondstrap portion extending under the second lateral side arm of the user;providing a coupler having a first portion and a second portion, thefirst portion of the coupler sized and shaped to engage with anengagement portion of a camera, and the second portion of the couplersized and shaped to slidably engage with the second strap portion andslide along the length of the second strap portion; providing a camerahaving an engagement portion; attaching the first portion of the couplerto the engagement portion of the camera; sliding the second portion ofthe coupler along the second strap portion, with the first portion ofthe coupler engaging the engagement portion of the camera and the secondportion of the coupler slidably engaging the second strap portion, tomove the camera along the second strap portion to a lowered transportposition for the camera; and grabbing the camera with the hand of thesecond lateral side arm of the user, and while maintaining the secondlateral arm of the user extending through the single unobstructedopening formed by the first and second strap portions and the secondstrap portion extending under the second lateral side arm of the user,sliding the second portion of the coupler forward and upward along thesecond strap portion, with the first portion of the coupler engaging theengagement portion of the camera and the second portion of the couplerslidably engaging the second strap portion, to move the camera along thesecond strap portion to a raised picture taking position for the camera.17. The method of claim 16, wherein after grabbing the camera with thehand of the second lateral side arm of the user, and while maintainingthe second lateral arm of the user extending through the singleunobstructed opening formed by the first and second strap portions andthe second strap portion extending under the second lateral side arm ofthe user, sliding the second portion of the coupler forward and upwardalong the second strap portion to position the camera in a raisedcentral location between the first and second lateral shoulders of theuser for picturing taking.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein thecoupler provided has the second portion of the coupler releasablycouplable with the first portion of the coupler, and further includingdecoupling the second portion of the coupler from the first portion ofthe coupler while the first portion of the coupler is engaging theengagement portion of the camera, whereby the camera is disconnectedfrom the strap.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein providing a camerahaving an engagement portion comprises providing the camera with theattachment point at a bottom of the camera, and wherein the camera ismoved along the second strap portion to the lowered transport positionfor the camera with the camera hanging from the first lateral sideshoulder of the user for transport in a top-side down orientation, andwherein the camera is subsequently moved along the second strap portionto the raised picture taking position for the camera with the cameraheld by the hand of the second lateral side arm of the user for picturetaking in a top-side up orientation.
 20. A method for use by a user witha shoulder, arm, hip, hand, front side and rear side, the methodcomprising: positioning an elongated strap having first and second strapportions forming together a single continuous loop defining a singleunobstructed opening with the first strap portion over the shoulder ofthe user; positioning a front side length of the first strap portion onthe front side of the user and a rear side length of the first strapportion on the rear side of the user with the front and rear sidelengths of the first strap portion extending downward from the shoulderof the user toward the hip of the user with the second strap portionextending between end portions of the front and rear side lengths of thefirst strap portion positioned toward the hip of the user; positioningthe arm of the user to extend through the single unobstructed openingformed by the first and second strap portions with the second strapportion extending under the arm of the user; providing a coupler havinga first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the couplersized and shaped to engage with an engagement portion of a camera, andthe second portion of the coupler sized and shaped to slidably engagewith the second strap portion and slide along the length of the secondstrap portion; providing a camera having an engagement portion;attaching the first portion of the coupler to the engagement portion ofthe camera; sliding the second portion of the coupler along the secondstrap portion, with the first portion of the coupler engaging theengagement portion of the camera and the second portion of the couplerslidably engaging the second strap portion, to move the camera along thesecond strap portion to a lowered transport position for the camera; andgrabbing the camera with the hand of the user, and while maintaining thearm of the user extending through the single unobstructed opening formedby the first and second strap portions and the second strap portionextending under the arm of the user, sliding the second portion of thecoupler forward and upward along the second strap portion, with thefirst portion of the coupler engaging the engagement portion of thecamera and the second portion of the coupler slidably engaging thesecond strap portion, to move the camera along the second strap portionto a raised picture taking position for the camera.
 21. The method ofclaim 20 where the user has left and right shoulders, wherein aftergrabbing the camera with the hand of the user, and while maintaining thearm of the user extending through the single unobstructed opening formedby the first and second strap portions and the second strap portionextending under the arm of the user, sliding the second portion of thecoupler forward and upward along the second strap portion to positionthe camera in a raised central location between the left and rightshoulders of the user for picturing taking.
 22. The method of claim 20,wherein the coupler provided has the second portion of the couplerreleasably couplable with the first portion of the coupler, and furtherincluding decoupling the second portion of the coupler from the firstportion of the coupler while the first portion of the coupler isengaging the engagement portion of the camera, whereby the camera isdisconnected from the strap.
 23. The method of claim 20, whereinproviding a camera having an engagement portion comprises providing thecamera with the attachment point at a bottom of the camera, and whereinthe camera is moved along the second strap portion to the loweredtransport position for the camera with the camera hanging from theshoulder of the user for transport in a top-side down orientation, andwherein the camera is subsequently moved along the second strap portionto the raised picture taking position for the camera with the cameraheld by the hand of the user for picture taking in a top-side uporientation.